“I’m worried about him,” Evan said, his gaze fixed on Owen across the yard. He was with his mom and Charlie as well as Shane, who was holding Holden, although anyone who knew Owen well could see he was smiling and nodding, but the smile wasn’t his real smile. It wasn’t the one that lit up his face and made his eyes crinkle at the corners.

“I am, too,” she said.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

“My mom told me she’s staying at Charlie’s tonight,” Owen said after they were home and had gotten Holden into bed.

“Really? Wow. Good for her—and him. Do you think they’ll, you know…”

“I’m trying very hard not to think about that.”

Laura laughed at the face he made. “My dad and Betsy were holding hands today.”

“I saw that.”

“Seems like things are moving forward for everyone.”

“Mom said Charlie is coming to Virginia with us. Slim will need to lease a bigger plane.” Because so many of them were going, Laura’s dad had worked with Slim to arrange for a private plane out of Greene Airport in Warwick.

“I’m glad your mom finally told Charlie what’s going on so he can support her through all of this.”

“I’m glad she told him, too.”

“Evan is planning to come with us.”

The news seemed to catch Owen off guard. “Why? He’s got too much going on with the studio to be away.”

“He wants to be there for you.”

Owen shook his head. “That’s not necessary.”

“It is to him.” Laura approached him cautiously. For the first time, she wasn’t sure she’d be welcome. “You don’t understand how hard it is for the people who love you to watch you suffer.”

He let her put her arms around him, but he seemed to be merely tolerating her, which was also a first. “And you all don’t understand how embarrassing and humiliating this entire thing is for me.”

“Why, Owen?”

Staring down at her, mouth agape, he said, “Because! He’s my father! How would you or Evan begin to understand where I come from with Frank and Mac McCarthy as your fathers?”